This summer has been hotter than ever in New York, with many businesses announcing their plans to locate or grow here as record-setting job numbers continue to climb. From beets to sporting goods, a host of nationally known brands are making their home here, at a time when the state’s private sector job count has reached a record high of almost 8 million, and unemployment is below the national rate. The state’s 10 Regional Economic Development Councils continue to drive economic development in a strategic way and, with the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, we’re seeing exciting projects and progress around the state. Here are some highlights of announcements made during the warm-weather months:
Warby Parker: Just after summer’s official launch in June, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the Manhattan-based affordable designer eyewear company will open an optical lab in Sloatsburg, Rockland County, that will create 128 jobs over the next five years. The lab, the first fully owned by Warby Parker and the company’s first expansion into the Mid-Hudson region, will be home to glasses assembly and prescription lens finishing. In addition to its Rockland expansion, Warby Parker will also retain more than 250 jobs at its New York City headquarters and 130 jobs at its New York retail locations.
DICK’S Sporting Goods Inc.: In July, the Binghamton-born national sporting goods retailer announced that it will invest $100 million to build a 650,000-square-foot regional distribution facility at the Broome County Corporate Park in the Southern Tier town of Conklin. The investment will create 466 full-time jobs over the next five years, with a construction completion date of early 2018. The move is aligned with Southern Tier Soaring, the region’s comprehensive plan for economic growth.
GEICO: In early August, the country’s second-largest private passenger auto insurance company announced plans to expand its service center operations in Western New York, a move that will add 600 full-time jobs. The company will invest nearly $11 million for the expansion, outfitting and equipping offices at a new location near its existing Getzville facility. GEICO currently employs 2,760 associates at the Buffalo Regional Office in Getzville, and a total of more than 6,300 employees in New York State. The strength of Western New York’s economy played a part in the company’s decision to expand in the area.
Love Beets: Also in August, Empire State Development and Love Beets USA, LLC announced the grand opening of a new $19 million facility in Rochester, where the company will process and package fresh, marinated and organic beets and beet products. The 100,000-square-foot facility is located at the LiDestri Foods manufacturing complex at Eastman Business Park. The move means job growth (from 111 current employees to 140 full-time employees within three years) and a growth in opportunities for local growers, with the company’s goal of having most of its beets sourced by New York State farmers.